Visiting NYC - What To Know Before You Go

Kassie J Runyan
6 days ago
5 min read

New York City can feel overwhelming if you have never been here before. It is loud, fast, crowded, and full of options. But it is also incredibly navigable once you understand a few basics.

These are not secret hacks or tourist shortcuts. These are the things we wish every visitor knew before arriving, especially if this is your first trip or you are visiting in the summer.

You Will Walk More Than You Think

Even if you plan to take the subway everywhere, you will walk a lot. Stations are spread out, platforms are long, and neighborhoods are best experienced on foot. Wear shoes you can walk in all day. Not shoes you hope will work. Shoes you already know will work. If your feet hurt, the city feels harder than it needs to be.

Public Transportation Is Your Friend

The subway is efficient, affordable, and often faster than cars. It can look intimidating, but it is straightforward once you use it a few times. Do not panic if you miss a stop or head the wrong direction. Everyone does. Navigation apps will fix it quickly. The NYC Ferry is also an excellent option. It is scenic, air-conditioned, affordable, and a great way to give your legs a break while still seeing the city.

Summer Heat Is Real

New York summer heat is not subtle. It is hot and often humid. Plan indoor stops into your day. Museums, stores, cafés, movie theaters, and even short subway rides help break up the heat. Drink water regularly. Slow down when you need to. Trying to push through everything usually backfires.

Air Conditioning Is Inconsistent

Some places blast cold air. Others leave their doors wide open and feel barely cooler than outside. If you get cold easily, a very light layer can help, but it is not always necessary. Many visitors overestimate how much they will need it.

You Do Not Need to Carry Everything

New York is not remote travel. There is a shop on almost every corner. You do not need to carry multiple water bottles, backup snacks, or every possible just-in-case item. If you need water, sunscreen, a snack, or something you forgot, you can get it quickly. Carrying less makes walking easier and the day more enjoyable.

New Yorkers and Public Space

New Yorkers will often be the first to help you if you are lost.

Really.

But it helps to remember that people here are usually moving somewhere specific. To work. To home. To an appointment. The city is their everyday life. New Yorkers are not rude. They are just living in public space. If you need directions, you can absolutely ask. Just be direct and respectful of time. A simple “Excuse me, can you tell me where this is?” goes a long way. Most people are happy to help and will do so quickly and clearly.

What tends to frustrate people is not questions. It is being stopped abruptly in the middle of the sidewalk or pulled into a long explanation while they are mid-commute.

Walk with awareness. If you need to stop, step to the side. Let people pass. Even if you are unsure where you are going, move with intention. Don’t walk while on your phone. Not only does that put you in the path of running into other people, but it also makes you a target for scams (especially in the heavier tourist spots).

Finding Your Way in Central Park

Central Park is large, and it is easy to get turned around. The good news is that the park is designed to help you navigate if you know what to look for. There are approximately 1,600 lampposts throughout Central Park, and each one has a number at its base. These numbers work like a map. The first two to three digits tell you the closest street. The last digit tells you which side of the park you are on. Even numbers mean the east side. Odd numbers mean the west side.

As long as you are not deep in The Ramble, which is a 36-acre wooded area with winding trails and no lampposts, you should be able to orient yourself and find your way out of Central Park without using your phone. Once you know how to look for the lamppost numbers, navigating the park becomes much easier.

A Few Practical NYC Realities

You may see trash on the street. That does not make it acceptable to add yours. There are trash cans on almost every corner. Use them.

Use Uber, Lyft, or official yellow taxis only. Do not engage with people offering rides or services on the street. Just keep walking.

With that in mind, don’t take anything from strangers. Seems to be common sense, but you wouldn’t believe how many people I see being scammed on the street. Get good at ignoring anyone. Pay attention enough to get out of the way only.

You Can Do NYC on a Budget

New York does not have to be expensive.

Two-dollar slices are real and often very good. Bakeries, bagel shops, food halls, and casual counter spots are everywhere. Personally, I am not a fan of street cart food. I have seen where carts are stored. That said, it is still very easy to find quick, affordable food without relying on carts.

Stay in a neighborhood that isn’t heavily tourist-marketed and plan on walking, biking, or taking a subway/car to your locations.

If you see a long line at a restaurant, walk one or two blocks away. You will almost always find something with the same quality, the same type of food, and no line. This is one of the simplest New York truths.

Tourist Areas Are Fine, But Do Not Stop There

Tourist spots are popular for a reason, especially for first-time visitors. See them. Enjoy them.

Then branch out.

Walk through SoHo. Spend time on the Upper West Side or Upper East Side. Explore quieter, more residential neighborhoods. Wander without a checklist. Get a little lost. That is often when the city starts to feel personal.

You Do Not Have to See Everything

New York rewards repeat visits. You will not see it all in one trip. Choose a few things that matter to you. Let the rest go. Leave room for wandering, resting, and changing plans. The best memories often come from what you did not plan.

Final Thoughts

New York is not something you conquer. It is something you move with.

Be aware. Be kind. Walk with intention. Pack light. Stay flexible.

Get out of the tourist zones. Get a little lost. And somewhere along the way, you may find yourself, too.

Continue Exploring NYC Trip

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